Summer 2010 Newsletter (June/July/August 2010)
Dear London Mums
The summer is approaching and it is so exciting to see the kids finally out in the parks enjoying outdoor living after a very long and gloomy winter.
Our new magazine is out now and currently being distributed across London. We only have 30,000 copies so if you want one at your doorstep, please send us a self-addressed envelope (A5 with first class stamp) to London Mums ltd 74 Dowdeswell Close, London SW15 5RL and we will post it. Alternatively you can request a pdf copy by simply emailing us. It's free! We have partnered with magazine Scooting Gecko for mums in business so watch this space for news on joint initiatives!
Our next big event before the summer is on Father's Day on Sunday 20th June - we have organised a fun sport-related event in collaboration with Eddie Catz Putney. Check details below.
The World Cup 2010 is here, a summer of national football fever stretching ahead of us. Many will be ready to cheer with beer in hand, yet if your spouse is draping the sitting room in their national colours you may well be dreading the imminent onset of "football widowhood" and neglect. But just because your partner is really into football should you feel emotionally and physically abandoned? No, says Dr. Gian Gonzaga, eHarmony.co.uk relationship expert. Read his tips on how to score a relationship goal during World Cup 2010 in our 'What the experts say' section.
New research reveals British men do more in the home than they get credit for. Doing the weekly shop, cleaning the loo, ironing and hoovering, are just a small part of the 'to do' list of the average British bloke who now spends 13 hours a week doing domestic chores. However, according to new research from Dove Men+Care (www.dovemencare.co.uk), a massive 63 percent feel their hard graft goes unnoticed by their wives, girlfriends and partners because they 'don't make a fuss'. And the time men spend doing household chores only looks set to increase, as nearly one in five claim they will take on more housework as they cancel their cleaner to save money as a result of the recession. I leave it up to you to judge this as good or bad news.
We have lots of amazing prizes to give away this summer - quickly enter the competition by email for your chance to win (the first mums to email will win). And we have lots of content for you to enjoy including lots of cool product reviews (summer products, Father's Day gift ideas, back to school essentials) and articles on living with Down Syndrome children, nutrition tips to keep high energy levels with healthy snacks, tips for art&craft activities, outdoor fitness tips and superb light-hearted travel tips by mum and mumpreneur Rita Kobrak. Last but not least we interviewed a very successful dadpreneur, Giancarlo Caldesi of the Cafe' Caldesi restaurant chain who gave us super tips for quick summer meals.
And finally, we have partnered with Cupcake to offer mumpreneurs a very interesting programme of seminars over the summer - when you book, please send us an email with your address and we will send you a great gift! There are lots of local events for business mums across London. Please follow the links to the relevant pages below for more details. There is lots of content in this newsletter because it covers 3 months so we have added all details in the Local Activities pages. I hope this will make the London Mums newsletter even more informative and easy to browse.
Enjoy the summer! We will be back in September.
Help us grow by word-of-mouth: If you find this newsletter useful please forward a copy to your fellow mums across London - let's get members to over 100,000 London Mums! Thanks.
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NEWS AND EVENTS
UNMISSABLE! LONDON MUMS COME AND CELEBRATE FATHER'S DAY ON 20 JUNE 2010 WITH US - 1-3pm plus football match 3-5pm (EDDIE CATZ, PUTNEY)
Tournament & World Cup Game on Father's Day Games for dads and kids - 1-3pm (while mums go shopping): Calling all "Dads" who'd like to play in the World Cup! To celebrate Father's Day London Mums would like to invite you to take part in the London Mums/Eddie Catz Table Football World Cup and Air Hockey competition. Kick off will be at 1pm with the tournament finishing just in time to watch Italy v New Zealand at 3pm. There will be prizes for the winners. Entries are limited so tickets must be purchased in advance. The "Dad's Ticket" is £5 and includes: Entry into Eddie Catz for Dad; A complimentary beer or glass of wine and nibbles for Dad; A Daddy goodie bag with discount vouchers and very cool stuff (worth £35)! Bring along friends and family and let them play whilst you watch the match ITALY vs NEW ZEALAND in peace. Calling also all Italy and New Zealand fans. BOOK ONLINE NOW http://shop.eddiecatz.com. This virtually FREE event is made possible thanks to our sponsors: Eddie Catz, Phil Smith Essentials Hair Care for Men, Anti-grey hair specialist Restoria, Furniture company Mini Monsters, Jane Press (Personalised stationary made to order), FoodAdo, BornFree (The world's leading feeding brand free from Phthalates, PVC and Bisphenol-A. The Safe, Smart Choice for your baby http://www.babybornfree.co.uk).
FREE LONDON MUMS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION! 4-7 JUNE 2010 (Brick Lane)
A young mum-photographer Abi Brownlie took images of London Mums and put together an exhibition, now open to the public 4-7 JUNE 2010 at The Old Truman Brewery - 91 Brick Lane -E1 - Nearest stations are Liverpool Street, Aldgate East and Old Street. It is free entry, and of course children will be more than welcome! There is loads to see, as it will be showcasing all of Middlesex University's Art and Design graduate projects, so should make a great day out.SPECIAL OFFERS FOR LONDON MUMS!
www.notjustpink.com
is the brand new online business of Mumpreneur Karina Grassy. If you are looking for baby clothing and accessories that are different from anything you can get on the high street this is the web store to visit including summer hats and baby sandals from the top German brand Sterntaler and sleeping bags from Slumbersac. SPECIAL OFFER: London Mums will receive a FREE pair of the top selling Sterntaler Non-slip Socks with every order of £25 or more on http://www.notjustpink.com. Enter the voucher code LONDONMUMS during check out. Email Karina at hello@notjustpink.com TOP OFFER: Bookadoo is offering a massive 50% DISCOUNT to ALL London Mums to order their very own Bookadoo! Simply enter the code: LONDONMUMS at checkout to receive the automatic 50% discount! The great thing about this discount code is that it can be used again and again, so you can order a Bookadoo for all the deserved children in your life! A Bookadoo is the most enjoyable children's book you will ever see. In these customised books your child becomes the Great Hero of the story and can be a pop star, super hero, princess or potty hero in just one day! To view examples of these great products visit http://www.bookadoo.com
OTHER AMAZING SUMMER OFFERS: Wondering how to entertain the kids over the school holidays, without breaking the bank, well see below for some top tips on how you can save on days out:
1.
Theme Parks - Kids love nothing more than a bit of adventure, so a trip to a theme park this half term could be just the ticket to keeping them entertained. You can even use your Nectar points to reduce the cost and Nectar points are worth double (500 points = £5.00 off) at LEGOLAND Windsor, THORPE PARK and ALTON TOWERS. 2. Meals out - Nectar has recently partnered with ASK the Italian restaurant chain and Nectar points are worth double value in ASK, so for every 500 points spent, Nectar cardholders will get £5 off their bill rather than the usual £2.50. Customers simply hand their Nectar card over with their restaurant bill and the points are immediately debited against the cost of a meal. For more information please visit: http://www.nectar.com
2 for 1 entry to top attractions. To celebrate the launch of their new formulation Persil is offering two-for-one entry to the UK's top attractions such as THORPE PARK, Alton Towers Resort, SEA LIFE centres & Sanctuaries or Warwick Castle this summer. Simply buy any of the 'Have a Go' promotional packs across the Persil washing range. To redeem your voucher take it along to your chosen attraction. For more information visit http://www.persil.com/haveago
NEW ROMANTIC COMEDY 'THE REBOUND' IN CINEMAS ACROSS LONDON ON 23RD JULY 2010!!
The Rebound is a fresh, witty and sexy comedy staring Catherine Zeta Jones and Justin Bartha. Sandy's a beautiful, smart, 40-year-old mother. When she discovers her husband is cheating, she leaves him and takes her two children to New York to start over, but falls for the 25 year-old nanny. Is he the real deal or just The Rebound? A group of London Mums went to the preview in May and thought it was the ideal girlie movie for this summer. Find out more at facebook! http://www.facebook.com LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Check the latest updates for the different London areas.SOUTH WEST LONDON
Highlights - For more details on all new activities visit South West London activities' page.NEW! London Mums playgroups in Wimbledon: We have received lots of requests to start a few playgroups in Wimbledon. The venue of choice would be Eddie Catz in Wimbledon and preferred days Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays afternoons. Please contact us by email to express your interest in both attending and also being an active member involved in the organisation of fun activities.
The SW LONDON MUMS PLAYGROUPS: Putney Playgroup: We are having a break over the summer from 7th June 2009 (little party and prizes for the kids expected on the last day!) but we are taking new bookings NOW for the playgroup running from September 2010. Spaces are limited. If you are interested in joining, please email us monica@londonmums.org.uk. The playgroup runs on Mondays at Eddie Catz Putney 16-17,15. From mid June we will have a smallish playgroup run by Blue Sunshine on our behalf so if you are interested please get in touch AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
NEW! NEW! Wimbledon Playgroup (at Eddie Catz Wimbledon): At great request we will run a playgroup during the summer and we are taking the bookings NOW. Spaces are limited. If you are interested in joining, please email us monica@londonmums.org.uk. Details will be finalised mid June. Plus from September 2010 we are planning to run 2 playgroups. If you are interested in any of these initiatives, please contact us.
FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZA (at the Clapham Grand) - Saturday 5th June -2-5pm Join Amanda's non-stop action packed world cup themed fun filled afternoon for children and parents. Amanda's Action Club will be kicking off by celebrating the start of the world cup with some memorable entertainment! Amanda will be jumping up and down to her favourite tracks, there'll be a DJ and disco, plus break dancers. For tickets call 0844 847 2438 or visit www.ticketweb.co.uk and enter keyword Amanda or visit http://www.amandasactionclub.co.ukand follow the link.
UNMISSABLE! Genius initiative!!! PAMPERING AT THE CATZ! Eddie Catz in conjunction with Mini Diva's has launched a Salon at Eddie Catz Wimbledon offering lots of mini beauty treatments for Mums including threading, waxing, mini facials and manicures and makeup. Haircuts for kids will also be coming soon. The official opening day will be Monday June 7th and all treatments for that day will be HALF PRICE and will include FREE a glass of Prosecco & fresh strawberries! Bookings will be taken on a first come-first serve basis. To receive a price list please email info@minidiva.co.uk Tel 07737 830529. Address: WIMBLEDON 42 Station Road, Merton SW19 2LP
SOUTH EAST LONDON
Highlights - For more details on all activities below see South East London activities' page.CENTRAL LONDON
Highlights including Renoir cinema new Parent & Baby Screening as well as Cinekids (Russel Square), plus this summer's Bastille Day London garden party and 'Story of Belgravia' events - For more details on all activities visit our Central London activities' page.NORTH LONDON
Highlights - For more details on all local activities including local meetings and events visit the North London activities' page.London Mums will have a meeting in North London on 18th June at Centre 404 (Islington) from 11,30am onwards. Centre 404 is hosting a Carers Health Fair on Friday 18 June in the tranquil setting of their beautiful Garden. The day is aimed at Family Carers getting some much needed 'me' time, giving them the opportunity to try a variety of relaxation activities such as massage and yoga, to meet other Carers and to kick back and relax for a change. There will be a whole host of interesting stalls offering a variety of freebies, advice and services including a wellbeing area with alternative therapies, healthy living mini health checks, a girlie corner with facials and mini manicures, Care 4 Carers and Aquaterra (leisure facilities), a tombola, smoothie stall and healthy cafe'. There will also be the opportunity to find out about the support centre 404 provides to families and how you can get involved. At Centre 404 On Friday 18th June 2010 10am - 2.00pm Centre 404, 404 Camden Road, Islington, N7 0SJ Free to ALL CARERS in Islington For more information please reply to this email, contact Jo Murphy on email jom@centre404.org.uk or contact the Family Support Office 020 7697 1336 or visit http://www.centre404.org.uk
EAST LONDON
UK's First Ever Communal Recipe Garden Launches: Kerrygold, the butter brand owned by a cooperative of Irish dairy farmers, has has funded a dedicated community project in London's Mile End. The aim is to encourage the local community to work together to create a truly unique space, tailored to their needs which all involved can be proud of and enjoy. The site on Eric Estate, Eric Street is currently a sparse grass area, but from May 15th it will host the UK's first ever 'recipe tree'. The creative concept was inspired by the age-old Irish 'fairy' tree tradition where hanging items on branches were said to make wishes come true. The recipe tree will provide a visually striking central hub for residents to exchange family recipes which have passed down through generations and learn about different cultures and foods. Local residents are already submitting recipe ideas to the Kerrygold Community Awards Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Kerrygold-Community-Awards as well as putting forward ideas of what fruit and vegetables to grow in their allotment beds which will range from carrots, tomatoes and various herbs.LONDON MUMS IN THE NEWS
To read the full articles check the links on our dedicated 'London Mums in the news' page http://www.londonmums.org.uk/news/news.htmlgo to top
OUR MUMPRENEURS' SECTION
TARGET PARENTS AT THE SCHOOL FAIR! - TOP OPPORTUNITY!
Award winning Lowther Primary School (North Barnes, SW London) will host a Summer Fair (Stillingfleet Road, Barnes SW London) on Saturday 12th June - 11am to 2pm and is offering the exclusive opportunity to London Mumpreneurs to promote your business there. This year's theme is Circus! Great activities for children and adults in an amazing environment. To have a stand there for ONLY £20 and top exposure to 200 PARENTS, please contact Carina on carina_elvegaard@hotmail.com or call her on 07946 343 060 and quote 'London Mums offer / advertising in summer fair programme'. All profits will be used for the school funding! Plus London Mums is happy to offer 30% discount on all its advertising to all businesses involved in this event. You can claim this by copying me in the email you send to Carina to confirm your interest. THERE ARE ONLY A FEW SPACES LEFT SO PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.SOUTH WEST LONDON
LONDON MUMS/CUPCAKE MUMPRENEURS' EVENTS DURING THE SUMMER (East Putney)
LONDON MUMS have partnered with CUPCAKE to offer mumpreneurs a very interesting programme of seminars over the summer - when you book at the venue, please send us an email monica@londonmums.org.uk with your postal address and we will send you a great gift! There are lots of other local events for business mums across London. Check the Events' page for more details: http://www.londonmums.org.uk/events/events.htmlNEW! LONDON MUMS' OWN NETWORKING EVENTS FOR MUMPRENEURS - SAVE THE DATES AND BOOK NOW!
30 September 2010 - London Mumpreneurs' DIY Public Relations networking workshop for start-ups: Mumpreneurs want to publicise their products or services but just can't afford to pay a professional PR agency to do it for them. This workshop will teach you: What PR is, Press release writing tip, Practical advice to run a PR campaign, How to approach the media. Guest speakers to be announced.25 November 2010 - London Mumpreneurs' DIY Funding networking seminar: The focus of the event will be on how to fund a start-up to small sized company. Come and learn from experienced entrepreneurs that know all about funding. You will also be able to pitch your business idea to potential angel investors and venture capitalists, if you dare! Guest speakers to be announced.
When: The events will all start at 7.30 pm.
Location: Eddie Catz PUTNEY, 1st Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street, London, SW15 1SF.
How much: £18 including a glass of wine and nibbles.
Book tickets online: http://shop.eddiecatz.com
FINALLY A SPACE ONLY FOR MUMPRENEURS: THIRD DOOR OPENS IN WANDSWORTH
Work life balance for parents as Third Door opens - flexible workspace with on-site childcare: Juggling work and childcare just got a lot easier for South West London residents with the launch of Third Door. The first facility of its kind in the UK, Third Door provides flexible office space with on-site childcare operated on a pay-as-you-go basis. The Wandsworth-based company hopes to expand into other areas with high concentrations of young families across the country. Third Door lets parents book a workspace - a Wi-Fi-enabled hot desk or meeting room - and a place in the on-site OFSTED registered creche for their child, at times that suit their specific work requirements. This flexibility is ideal for independent professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, home-based workers or employees who are able to work from home at least one day a week. www.third-door.com
SOUTH EAST LONDON
Highlights - For details on all activities visit our South East London activities' page as well as our Events' Page for mumpreneurs' seminars in SE London including Brainstorm in a Teacup sessions and Business Mums Networking Lunches http://www.selondonmumpreneurs.blogspot.com.go to top
OUR EXPERTS
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY! Check out our latest experts' articles on topical issues.
To read Top Outdoor Fitness Tips By Louise Whyte of PenelopeFitStop visit the section 'What the experts say' http://www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/mumtips.html. The articles we publish are driven by our London Mums members' questions so if you have a specific dilemma for our experts or fellow mums, please let us know and we will respond. There is a huge archive you can browse from the right box on the section. Or you can type the topics in Google, for example 'londonmums - fitness outdoor' and you will be directed to our pages.FAMILY NUTRITION
Read all about 'Regaining your energy - Snacks!' by Nutritionist Fern Callister http://www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/nutri.html. Fern is available to discuss your personal nutrition issues directly - her email is fern_callister@yahoo.co.uk!SPECIAL KIDS
This month we have a very interesting article on Down Syndrome (Frequently Asked Questions) provided by the Down's Syndrome Association in the Special Kids' section http://www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/special.html.TRAVEL
You've got to read mum and mumpreneur Rita Kobrak's tips on how to travel with babies and toddlers. They are both useful for new mums with babies and super funny to read for experienced mums. http://www.londonmums.org.uk/messbrd/travel.html.FOOD / RECIPE PAGE
For our food page we recently interviewed a true London guru of Italian food, Giancarlo Caldesi, founder and owner of teh Caldesi Restaurant chain. Great recommendations from Giancarlo for this summer.http://www.londonmums.org.uk/messbrd/cook.html.NEW SECTION: ART & CRAFT
From May we introduced a new Art & Craft section with contributions of our creative mums including Maggy Woodley of Red Ted Art. This will be a helpful resource for all our playgroups across London. And if you send us your creative tips we will reward you with a gift. http://www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/art.html.go to top
COMPETITIONS
WIN 1 OF 5 £50 TESCO VOUCHERS FOR WORLD CUP PARTY PREPARATIONS
The World Cup 2010 is approaching its exciting final stages, so to celebrate the tournament in style, Tesco has launched www.tescocountdowntothecup.com, proving that mums can enjoy the football fever too! www.tescocountdowntothecup.com is packed mum-friendly World Cup info, including travel facts and stats on the World Cup countries and their teams, inspiring recipes from around the footballing world, and tips for throwing World Cup-themed parties. Tesco is giving five lucky members of londonmums.org.uk the chance to £50 Tesco vouchers for their World Cup party preparations. Simply send us an email telling us which team you think will win the Cup.WIN A PAMPERING SPA DAY FOR TWO: DETOX YOURSELF BACK TO NIRVANA!
Shake away those winter blues and awaken your senses with a trip to the UK's award-winning Nirvana Spa based in the heart of Berkshire. New to the Spa this April is their Celestial Hot Gemstone Therapy, which uses warmed semi-precious crystals to penetrate deep into the muscles to relieve stresses and strains. Nirvana Spa is renowned for its pure water source being home to six pure, natural pools fed by a spring deep underground with water clean enough to drink. Nirvana Spa's famous floatation therapy pool contains hundreds of tons of minerals and salts from the Dead Sea so you can enjoy a relaxing floating experience while treating your whole body to a therapeutic experience at the same time, which is ideal for you to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. For more information on what Nirvana Spa has to offer, visit www.nirvanaspa.co.uk PRIZE PACK: If you are looking for the perfect detox, enter this competition to win an evening spa package, which includes a floatation experience at Nirvana Spa for two. SUGGESTED QUESTIONS: Question 1: What new treatment is Nirvana Spa offering from April? a) Celestial Hot Rock Therapy; b) Celestial Hot Gemstone Therapy; c) Celestial Hot Pebble Therapy. WIN 1 OF 2 FAMILY PASSES (WORTH £84 EACH) FOR BIG AND SMALL AND LONGLEAT - 4-6JUNE 2010 (ENTER NOW!!)
The hugely popular CBeebies show, Big and Small are coming to Longleat! The two best friends look forward to greeting you all, no matter how big or small, during the half term holidays at Longleat House and Safari Park from Friday 4 - Sunday 6 June 2010. For more episodes, songs and games, visit the Big and Small website www.bbc.co.uk. Longleat House and Safari Park, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW. For more information, please visit http://www.longleat.co.uk
WIN 1 FAMILY TICKET TO PIRATES! SHOW AT POLKA THEATRE (WIMBLEDON) Pirates! (19 June-7 August 2010)
Polka Theatre present Pirates! A swashbuckling summer adventure! by Charles Way For ages 7-11 - Illustrations by Si Clark. Ahoy there me hearties! This summer, jump onboard a ship full of excitement, fun, magic and blood-thirsty pirates! Join Jim for this swashbuckling adventure, as he is kidnapped by pirates wanting their treasure back. Will he escape the pirates and find his way home from the year 1718? And will the mystery of the treasure chest ever be solved? If ye can answer this cryptic question, ye'll be in with the chance to win the mighty fine prize of a family ticket to see Polka's summer show Pirates! What do pirates call their pirate flag? A) A Wench B) A Scurvy Dog C) A Jolly Roger. A family ticket entitles you to four complimentary tickets for Polka's summer show Pirates! subject to availability.
Tickets: 020 8543 4888 - Website: http://www.polkatheatre.com - Address: Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB.
WIN 1 SOPHIE THE GIRAFFE BY DRIBBLEBUSTER
Email us know for your chance to win a Little French teething toy Sophie la Girafe who was 49 years old on 25th May, St Sophie's day. This classic and timeless toy has charmed the world in the last few years and is now a best selling baby toy in the US, Canada and UK. Part of Sophie's charm is her retro look, indeed she's not changed since she was created. She's seen as safe - natural rubber and food grade paint - so no PVC, BPA, Phthalates or other nasties lurking here. She's also an affordable piece of luxury. You may not be able to stretch to the mega-priced yummy mummy push chair that various celebs are spotted with, but at £12.99 you can have the same toy and join that exclusive club shared by Sofia Coppola, Isla Fisher, Nicole Richie and Naomi Watts, among others. Sophie la Girafe is available from http://www.dribblebuster.co.uk or 01483 480079 where the Award Winning Dribblebuster baby dribble bibs can also be purchased. go to top
LONDON MUMS' VIEWS AND REVIEWS
Check London Mums' own reviews for great products at http://www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/tested.html. We have put together three product guides for you: Father's Day Gift Guide http://www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/father.html, Summer 2010 Essentials http://www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/summer10.html, School Essentials http://www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/school.html.
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MESSAGE BOARD
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY (CHANNEL 4): Does someone you know need a radical makeover? Would you like to surprise them with a whole new look? The makers of 'The Paul O’Grady Show' are back with a brand new show for Channel 4 called 'The 5 O'clock Show' - and we want to hear from you! Could one of your loved ones do with a boost to their confidence and self esteem? Whatever the story, Fern Britton is looking to surprise suitable women AND men with the makeover of a lifetime. Fern says, "I want to make someone's day and with your help we can find a special someone who needs and deserves a treat. Who is your special person who needs a makeover boost? Tell me but don't tell them! Shh Secret squirrel x" To nominate someone you know then please email us at makeovers@olgatv.com with a photo of them and your contact details.
MESSAGE FROM MONICA, PUTNEY: I just wanted to let all mums know about a couple of fantastic websites that may be useful for the upcoming Summer holidays if the childminder/nanny is ill or friends/family aren't available e.g. volcanic ash cloud/cabin crew or trains strikes: 1: www.emergencychildcare.co.uk Every working parent knows that sinking feeling when the childcare you rely on lets you down. It is incredibly tricky finding childcare at very short notice but now there's an alternative to frantically calling family and friends. Emergencychildcare.co.uk help you book local emergency childcare whether it's a nursery or an emergency nanny, with only 1 hours' notice. If it isn't an option for you to take a day off work, this service is an invaluable resource for parents in a crisis. There is currently no other comparable service in the UK.
2. www.nannyshare.co.uk There has been so much in the news recently about the issue of "toddler top-up fees" and the soaring nursery costs and how this affects working mothers. Hiring your own 'Mary Poppins' can do some serious damage to your bank balance - but not with a Nanny Share. This service is one of the most popular and cost effective means of childcare - If you are looking to share the costs of a nanny, just tap in your postcode and find a match with a local family also looking to share the childcare costs.
MESSAGE FROM HERMIONE, ESSEX: A curiosity for all Mums: London 2012 mascots launched to world. The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) unveiled its Olympic Mascot, Wenlock and Paralympic Mascot, Mandeville.
Wenlock and Mandeville were created from the last drops of steel left over from the construction of the final support girder for the Olympic Stadium. An animated film, based on a story by children's author Michael Morpurgo, shows how the figures were brought to life and are able to reflect and adapt to their surroundings, changing their appearance depending on the situation. Wenlock and Mandeville will now go on separate journeys, often crossing paths and meeting people all over the country inspiring them to choose sport as they head towards the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The mascots' names reflect the UK's rich Olympic and Paralympic histories. Wenlock's name is inspired by the Shropshire village of Much Wenlock where the 'Wenlock Games' was one of the inspirations that led the founder of the modern Olympic movement Baron Pierre de Coubertin to create the Olympic Games. Mandeville's name is inspired by Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire. In the 1940s, Dr.Ludwig Guttmann came to Stoke Mandeville Hospital to set up a new spinal unit to help former soldiers suffering from spinal cord injuries. Looking for ways to inspire those in his care, he encouraged them to take up sport, leading to the formation of the Stoke Mandeville Games, widely recognised as a forerunner of the modern Paralympic movement.
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